McLaren-P11|2010|0-100km/h 4 sec.|350km/h-217mph|
Price: 
P.O.A.
HP: 550 | Cars produced: n/a | Colour: Colour
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McLaren P11 power coming from a 550-hp V8 built by famed engine builder Mahle. Convertible and racing variants are planned after the coupe's launch in 2010.
McLaren releases MP4-12C development video
11/13/2009, 9:22 AM
By Drew Johnson
With the MP4-12C now out in the open, McLaren has released a video detailing the car’s development process. The video gives us a rare, behind the scene look at the vehicle development process, including the people that make everything happen.
Scheduled to enter production in 2010, the MP4-12C will compete with the Ferrari 458 and Lamborghini Gallardo. Recalling the wedge shape of the legendary F1, the MP4-12C also shows hints of inspiration from its Italian rivals.
Power comes from a 3.8-liter mid-mounted V8 delivering 600 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbocharged M838T motor is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and can spin up to 8500 rpm. Of course, the torquey motor achieves 80 percent of its peak twisting power below 2,000 revs, so flirting with the redline can be saved for special occasions.
The new gearbox is a particularly interesting highlight. Known as SSG (Seamless Shift Gearbox), the unit features an industry-first dubbed Pre-Cog. The system enables the driver to half-press one of the shift paddles in order to preselect the next gear ahead of a downshift or upshift. This dramatically shortens shift time, the automaker promises.
The MP4-12C’s main structure is composed of carbon fiber, resulting in an extraordinarily low curb weight of 3,000 pounds. Amazingly, the floor structure of the passenger compartment — an integral part of the chassis — is crafted as a single unit and weighs just 176 pounds. The body panels are also light, made of aluminium and SMC plastic.
And about that alphanumeric moniker: Despite what you might think, it’s not an attempt to upstage Japanese cell phone makers. Rather, the numbers and letters do have a pretty understandable meaning. MP4 has been the chassis designation for all McLaren Formula 1 cars since 1981. The “12″ is a reference to the top echelon of McLaren’s internal rating system, and the C is either a reference to the car’s carbon fiber construction or its coupe body style. Rumor has it the roadster variant will be named MP4-12, so we tend to think the latter explanation is correct.
McLaren says it will build 1,000 examples in the first year of production. Expect a price tag of around $250,000. Deliveries will begin this spring.
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McLaren P11 might be present a Genva Motorshow 2009-10
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